But the switch did little to quell the threat of Boa Morte, who almost sent Saha clear five minutes into the half.

Malbranque then fired over the bar before Villa began to threaten the Fulham goal once more.

Andy Melville was booked for a foul on Darius Vassell and the ensuing free-kick found its way to Dublin six yards out, only for his volley to hit keeper Maik Taylor and cannon clear of the danger zone.